Law Externship

The Council on American-Islamic Relations’ Greater Los Angeles Area Office (CAIR-LA) seeks dynamic law students with a strong commitment to public interest and social justice advocacy to help provide direct legal services to individuals.

CAIR is a nonprofit, grassroots civil rights and advocacy organization. CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties organization, with affiliate offices nationwide. Its national headquarters is located on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

Civil Rights Department Clerkship

CAIR-LA’s Civil Rights Department works to protect and defend the constitutional rights of American Muslims. The department counsels, mediates and advocates on behalf of Muslims and others who have experienced religious discrimination.

The civil rights clerkship program has been developed to provide law school students and recent law graduates with the skills, knowledge, and exposure required to deal with contemporary civil rights issues affecting the American Muslim community. Clerks will be exposed to employment discrimination, public accommodation, First Amendment, equal protection, and procedural due process issues.

Immigrants’ Rights Center Clerkship

CAIR-LA’s Immigrants’ Rights Center (IRC) seeks to empower non-citizens by helping them achieve independence, security, and the opportunity to fully participate in American society. IRC is dedicated to providing high-quality services to individuals otherwise unable to obtain legal assistance.

The immigrants’ rights clerkship program gives law students the opportunity to handle immigration matters affecting the American Muslim community. Clerks will be exposed to a wide range of immigration request heard before US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).

Under the supervision of staff attorneys, clerks in both programs will have the opportunity to build cases from the ground-up, including conducting client interviews; initial case assessments; obtaining evidence; conducting legal research; drafting client communications and legal memoranda; assisting self-represented litigants; community outreach and education. Immigrants’ rights clerks will also have the opportunity to complete immigration applications and petitions.

Qualifications

Applicants should have completed their first year of law school. A prerequisite of Constitutional Law is recommended but not required for the Civil Rights Clerkship. Candidates must possess a passion for social justice and poverty related issues, as well as sensitivity to working with people from diverse backgrounds. Special consideration will be given to students who have a demonstrated commitment to serving low income or disadvantaged communities. Students who speak Arabic, Farsi, Pashto, Urdu or Spanish are encouraged to apply. CAIR-LA welcomes and gives preference to students who can commit to more hours than the required minimum, indicated below.

To Apply

Clerkships are available during Spring, Summer, and Fall terms. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis year-round until all positions are filled. All positions are unpaid. Clerks are expected to work at least 15 hours a week during Spring and Fall terms, and 20 hours a week during the Summer term. Clerks may receive course credit, depending on law school program.

When applying, indicate whether you have a specific interest in civil rights or immigrants’ rights work. Please submit a copy of your resume, cover letter, a list of at least two references and writing sample to: